Microsoft Announces Its Own Tablet, The Surface

In a major shift, Microsoft has jumped into the hardware business, launching the "Surface," a tablet that competes with the iPad.

Front view

We don't know how much it will cost, or when it will be released. We know Microsoft is working on it.

The Surface is a thin tablet with a kickstand built in. It runs Windows 8.

We took live notes of the announcement. They are below.

Front View

Back View

Side view

Here are the specs:9.3 mm thinFull-sized USB portMagnesium caseWeighs 1.5 lbs10.6-inch displayBuilt-in kickstandMagnetic cover, similar to Apple's Smart Cover for iPadCover has a flip-out multi-touch keyboard with trackpadThe keyboard-cover accessory is just 3 mm thinTwo versions: The RT version will only run Windows 8 apps. The Pro version will run all Windows apps.The pro version is a bit thicker and heavier. 14mm thick. Weighs slightly less than 2 lbs.Pro version has perimeter venting to keep the device cool.Pen (stylus) input.The pro version is essentially a full desktop PC crammed into a tablet.No price or release date yet.